Chapter 21: Scheming for Serin

Serin’s initial reaction to the young mage was indifference. She assumed Rui was just another woman drawn to Aswell’s fame, abilities, and appearance.

So she didn’t voice her opinion, simply agreeing with Raphilia. Although Raphilia joined later, Serin and Aria usually trusted her judgment in these matters. And Raphilia’s objections usually convinced Aswell.

But this time was different.

“[She cast subspace magic without chanting or a magic circle.]”

Aswell defended the new mage for the first time. It was the first time he insisted on his position despite Raphilia’s opposition.

In the end, Rui joined their party, and it proved to be an excellent decision.

Overwhelming magical skills and the incredible magic tools she created. The gloves and shoes she made were like new limbs for Serin.

If she could swing her sword once before, she could now swing it two or three times in the same amount of time. The three steps she needed to retreat to dodge were reduced to one.

The efficiency of all her actions and techniques in battle drastically increased.

Just by wearing the equipment… she could see a glimpse of the realm she thought she could never reach.

Sword Master.

The highest level a swordsman could achieve, a title held by only three people in the entire empire. She had joined the hero’s party not only because she liked Aswell but also because she aspired to become a Sword Master.

But no matter how many enemies she fought or how much she trained with the talented Aswell, the wall of Sword Master remained insurmountable.

There was something she hadn’t told the other companions. Sometimes, she felt a sense of inadequacy.

Aswell, Aria, and Raphilia all had exceptional abilities and promising futures. But what about her? She became a quasi-noble through her swordsmanship, but if she couldn’t become a Sword Master, that would be the end of it.

She didn’t have the numerous nobles and the emperor’s favor like Aswell, who held the title of hero. She didn’t have the influence of the entire church like Aria. She didn’t have the status of an elf princess like Raphilia.

A quasi-noble, a knight who failed to become a Sword Master. Serin worried that would be all that remained of her after the Demon King was defeated.

But then…

“…I’m Rui, the new mage. Pleased to meet you.”

Things changed after Rui arrived.

Rui, the white-haired mage. She filled the void in Serin’s heart and enhanced her abilities.

Her magic tools and support supplemented Serin’s movements and techniques, and by relaying Aswell’s praise, she filled the emptiness in Serin’s heart. The praise, in particular… it was something she unconsciously craved.

The hero’s teacher. Quasi-noble. Knight. The numerous titles that defined Serin didn’t bring her praise or encouragement. Because she was the hero’s teacher, because she was a noble, because she was a female knight.

So, when Rui relayed Aswell’s praise, she felt a sense of fulfillment.

“So, during the jackal battle, your quick judgment was very impressive…”

“Mm…”

She started looking forward to Rui’s praise.

She had Serin completely hooked.

“S-so, Rui, what do you think of me?”

“You’re amazing, of course.”

“Mm.”

“Sexy.”

“S-sexy…”

“And the most reliable knight.”

“~!!!”

Serin’s expression changed dramatically with every word of praise. Her reactions were so entertaining that Rui found herself enjoying the act.

After the praise-filled session, Serin looked refreshed. Then, blushing, she said,

“Y-you’re a good mage too, Rui.”

Returning the compliment? Unfortunately, mere compliments wouldn’t sway her.

“Your gloves and shoes have been very helpful. Thanks to the shoes, I was able to reach you quickly…”

“…”

“Aswell also praised your gloves and shoes.”

“…”

“So I’m really glad you joined our party.”

“…Heh.”

Rui turned away from Serin, hiding the twitching of her lips. It definitely wasn’t because she was happy to be praised.

Nicker.

‘…? Did Lux just look at me strangely?’

As if looking at her with pity…

It must be her imagination.

Anyway, Serin was now practically on her side. Now, all that remained was to create an opportunity for Serin and the hero.

“By the way, Serin.”

“Yes?”

“You like the hero, right?”

“W-what? H-huh?”

Serin’s face flushed crimson, and she covered her cheeks with her hands. Rui pressed further,

“Your eyes sparkle whenever you talk about him.”

“N-no, that’s… well, yes.”

Serin readily admitted it. Rui smiled, satisfied, and told her the plan.

“Then I’ll help you.”

“Huh? With what?”

“With earning the hero’s affection.”

The hero was completely oblivious, so it would be difficult unless she was proactive. Serin looked at her, puzzled.

“But Rui…”

“Yes?”

“Don’t… don’t you like Aswell too…?”

“…I don’t.”

As if. She would never like the hero. She made that perfectly clear.

“Well, okay. But I’ll understand if you change your mind…”

“I won’t.”

Enough about that. It was time to formulate Serin’s strategy.

“You and the hero are on the front lines, right?”

“That’s right…”

“So, he probably sees you more as a comrade-in-arms, a close friend, rather than a romantic interest.”

“…”

Serin’s expression darkened. Her emotions were so transparent when it came to the hero. It was quite amusing.

“And with your teacher-student relationship, it’s even more difficult.”

“Ugh…”

“So, you should aim for a surprising change.”

“A surprising… change?”

“Yes.”

This was different from the change she suggested to Raphilia. Raphilia was usually friendly in everyday life and in battle. So she advised Raphilia to show a serious side in the flower field.

Serin had to do the opposite.

“Ask the hero out to dinner within two days. Just the two of you. After a difficult battle.”

“W-what…?”

“A restaurant that serves alcohol would be ideal. Order some food and drinks, and have a casual conversation. About the battle you just fought.”

“But that’s what we usually do.”

“The key is what comes next. Have a drink. Then, look at the hero quietly and smile.”

Even the oblivious hero wouldn’t be able to ignore a beauty like Serin smiling at him. And then she would say,

“‘It’s… nice to have dinner with you, especially since it might be our last.’ Something like that.”

“M-me? Say something like that…!”

The key to the line was ambiguity. As if there were hidden feelings, but not explicitly stated.

A usually serious teacher and companion smiling gently and saying it’s nice to spend their last moments together? It was bound to work.

One of the reasons Serin became a heroine so late in the original story was because she couldn’t create such a light yet poignant atmosphere. She always approached him seriously, which made things awkward.

‘So, having a casual drink together would be perfect.’

It wouldn’t be as impactful as Raphilia’s flower field episode. But Serin’s weapon was “infiltration of everyday life.” Making it a memorable moment was key.

And since they were closest to each other during battles, setting up a meeting would be quick and easy.

“But, um, will Aswell even go to a restaurant?”

“Why?”

“Count Alphares said he would provide all our meals. And there aren’t any restaurants between the North and East Gates…”

She hadn’t considered that. The geographical issue. She would have to take care of that.

“…Then, come to the central shopping district tomorrow night. I’ll bring the hero there under the pretense of buying magic tools.”

There were apparently a few magic tool shops in Alphares’ back alleys. She could ask the hero to accompany her as an escort. Since there wouldn’t be many monsters at the East, North, and South Gates, the hero would agree.

“As for Aria and Raphilia… I’ll try to keep them occupied. But time is short, so you have to act quickly.”

“O-okay.”

Compared to Raphilia, the remaining time was extremely limited. But Serin’s instincts and sincerity would make it work.

Woooong.

“The formulas are complete.”

“Formulas?”

“Yes. I was reinforcing the gate.”

She patted Nightlux, who had patiently waited. She recalled the Master Key and headed back to the Alphares Mansion with Serin.

She was looking forward to tomorrow.